Is it ok to use a soft muzzle to control barking when I am not around?

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A resounding NO!!! Way, way too many things can happen such as the muzzle twisting and choking the dog, the dog being unable to drink or pant normally and hundreds of other equally serious issues. A dog was brought into our shelter with almost the entire tip of his tongue missing due to his chewing it off when his soft muzzle got stuck around his lower jaw instead of his muzzle. No one was home, and it was unknown how long he suffered that way. BTW... his owners were charged with cruelty for that little trick! If you read the attached labels, they all stress use under close supervision only, and this is a case where it is truly necessary!
There are lots of other ways to teach a dog not to bark, and not enough space here for me to list them, but... I reiterate... a soft muzzle (any muzzle, for that matter), should only be used under close supervision, and this is not a safe option at all!!!

Member 641257
answered on 6/15/10.
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NO
If you are having issues with a barking dog seek help with a trainer. This is cruel. Increased risk for injury to your dog.

Absoloutely not! I highly reccomend not using a muzzle even when you are around. It does not help a dog at all, especially if they can not eat, drink or pant. If you want your dog to stop barking there is one simple solution: train him! A muzzle should not be nessacary. Anything could happen to a muzzled dog that is unsupervized. Please do not use a muzzle for your dog!! It does not matter if it is soft or not.